College Becomes Delta Alpha Pi Chapter

SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio—10 January 2011

Notre Dame is the first college in Ohio to become a chapter of the Delta Alpha Pi International Honor Society for students with disabilities.

The Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society, the first of its kind in the U.S., was founded in 2004 at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania and is open to undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities.

“It is exciting to see the academic success of our ASC/NDC students recognized by a respected national honor society,” says Gretchen Walsh, director of the Academic Support Center for Students with Learning Differences. “It shows that our students are real go-getters.”

Students initiated into the society must have a documented disability and demonstrate an interest in disability issues. Undergraduates must have completed a minimum of 24 credits and have earned a grade point average of 3.1 or higher; graduates must have completed at least 18 credits and hold a GPA of 3.3 or higher.

Delta Alpha Pi’s slogan is, “Working for an aDAPtable world.” Because of the negative stereotyping associated with disability, students have been reluctant to identify themselves publicly. The Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society strives to change that perception by recognizing students with disabilities for their achievements. In addition, the society facilitates development of skills in leadership, advocacy and education for student participants.

Notre Dame is the society’s newest chapter, Beta Alpha. Students of the College’s Academic Support Center will be inducted into the honor society in April. It was senior Chariya-Marie Curd who suggested the College apply to become a chapter.

Our Mission

Founded by the Sisters of Notre Dame in 1922 as a Catholic, four-year liberal arts institution for women, Notre Dame College sits on 48 picturesque wooded acres, tucked away in South Euclid, a quiet suburban neighborhood just 25 minutes from downtown Cleveland, Ohio.

A Catholic institution in the tradition of the Sisters of Notre Dame, the College educates a diverse population in the liberal arts for personal, professional and global responsibility.

Since Notre Dame College began admitting men in 2001, enrollment has reached almost 2,000 students. The College offers associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees in over 30 disciplines as well as 22 scholarship athletic sports.